Strong differences emerged between pro- and anti-agreement republicans at a weekend conference in Belfast. Around 70 people attended including Sinn Fein activists, former Provisional IRA prisoners, and members of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement.
Mr Terry Enright, a community worker, defended the Sinn Fein leadership's strategy despite strong criticism from dissidents. Mr Enright, whose son Terry was shot dead by loyalists two years ago, said republicans must work within the system.
It was pointless to continue to "shout on the streets" and there was "no reason to go on killing people". The nationalist community was gaining confidence and now had to convince unionists of the benefits of Irish unity.
Former IRA hunger-striker Ms Marion Price accused Mr Enright of promoting constitutional nationalism, not republicanism.
"Sinn Fein threw every republican principle out the window in an attempt to become part of the system. Stormont government is not republican government no matter who sits in it," she said.
West Belfast priest Father Des Wilson said republicans should find ways of disagreeing which enabled them to remain friends.
Mr Dave McSweeney of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement said the Provisional IRA should no longer pretend to be republicans. "But as long as there is a British presence in Ireland, there will be an IRA," he said.
Mr John Robb of the New Ireland Group said republicans should make greater attempts to reach out to unionists.